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NuStar Energy Reports Earnings Results For Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2012

NuStar Energy L.P.

NuStar Energy L.P. (NYSE: NS) today announced its fourth quarter distributable cash flow from continuing operations available to limited partners was $57.1 million, or $0.73 per unit, compared to 2011 fourth quarter distributable cash flow of $59.5 million, or $0.90 per unit. For the year ended December 31, 2012, distributable cash flow from continuing operations available to limited partners was $202.6 million, or $2.77 per unit, down from the $305.3 million, or $4.70 per unit earned in 2011.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) from continuing operations were $77.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to $91.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2012, EBITDA from continuing operations was $99.1 million, lower than the $476.5 million in 2011.

The company reported a fourth quarter net loss applicable to limited partners of $21.2 million, or $0.27 per unit, compared to net income applicable to limited partners of $19.8 million, or $0.30 per unit, earned in the fourth quarter of 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the company reported a net loss applicable to limited partners of $263.3 million, or $3.61 per unit, compared to net income applicable to limited partners of $180.7 million, or $2.78 per unit, in 2011.

The partnership also announced that its board of directors has declared a fourth quarter 2012 distribution of $1.095 per unit. This fourth quarter 2012 distribution will be paid on February 14, 2013, to holders of record as of February 11, 2013. Distributable cash flow available from continuing operations to limited partners covers the distribution to the limited partners by 0.67 times for the fourth quarter of 2012 and 0.63 times for the year ended December 31, 2012.

“2012 was a critical transition year for our company as we made a lot of tough decisions that put NuStar on the right track for the future,” said Curt Anastasio, Chief Executive Officer and President of NuStar Energy L.P. and NuStar GP Holdings, LLC. “We implemented a strategic redirection away from the margin-based asphalt and fuels refining business in order to focus on growing our storage and transportation operations through internal growth projects and acquisitions. We are excited about expanding our presence in the lucrative Eagle Ford Shale through recently announced transactions and expansion projects in the region, all of which should have great rates of return. And we believe that there are many more great opportunities for growth in the U.S. shale plays that could be transformative for NuStar in the coming years.”